Dumby DaveWe’ve all heard of Rhapsody, the world’s first E11 — a trad 5.14c R/X in Scotland, done last year. But few delved into the obsessed mind of its author, Dave MacLeod . . . until now. By Dougald MacDonald

Give Me Convenience Or Give Me DeathIs there such a thing as roadside, alpine multi-pitch? John Connor and Andrew Burr visit the northern Cascades — Washington Pass — to find out. By John Connor Photos by Andrew Burr

I, BouldererIt’s time to go big on Yosemite’s small rocks, for some sweet, new-school bouldering up the Big Ditch’s wildest and proudest blocs yet. By Matt WilderPhotos by John Dickey

Blank CheckSixty-nine years ago, four determined Austrians pioneered the Eigernordwand, the mile-high Swiss Wall of Death. This year, the indefatigable Jonny Copp and partner Steve Su made the pilgrimage . . . and Copp brought a pen and his camera. Story and photos by Jonny Copp